We are all assuming the mechanics but in case anyone out there in reader land is wondering: We are all talking about a rear naked choke style attack that focuses pressure on the sides of the neck under the jaw and behind the larynx. That is what makes it a strangle or blood choke instead of a wind choke like a guillotine.

Some people believe that it is a vasovagal response instead of an actual hypoxic episode. The theory is that the short time it takes to cause unconsciousness isn't really enough time to cause hypoxia in the brain. Therefore something else must be happening.

Well, is it possible that the increased pressure of the blood actually stimulates the response?
Kind of like when you are watering the garden, and you bend the tip of the hose to create a better pressure stream.

Prior to losing consciousness, the individual frequently experiences a prodrome of symptoms such as lightheadedness, nausea, the feeling of being extremely hot (accompanied by sweating), ringing in the ears (tinnitus), uncomfortable feeling in the heart, fuzzy thoughts, a slight inability to speak/form words (sometimes combined with mild stuttering), weakness and visual disturbances such as lights seeming too bright, fuzzy or tunnel vision, and sometimes a feeling of nervousness can occur as well.

I've never been put out, but I've come close and I've never experienced any of those apart from the fuzzy vision thing and no one I've spoken to who's been choked out has mentioned felling hot, ringing in the ears etc...

Also

The person may be nauseated, pale, and sweaty for several minutes.

Don't know anyone who's been put out who had this either usually they wake up and are a bit confused.

Not saying its impossible to be a vasovagal response as I'm not qualified, but the symptoms don't really seem to fit. Although as you say it may be problematic with the cutting the blood theory, because of the speed. Then again I don't know how long a 'reserve' the brain has if any.

That is the description for a wide range of vasovagal problems what you are looking for is vasovagal syncope which is basically just feinting. Syncope by itself is the medical term for feinting. I've been put out several ways including thai neck kick and RNC. It all feels like feinting.

That is the description for a wide range of vasovagal problems what you are looking for is vasovagal syncope which is basically just feinting. Syncope by itself is the medical term for feinting. I've been put out several ways including thai neck kick and RNC. It all feels like feinting.

Vasovagal syncope (vay-zo-VAY-gul SING-cuh-pee) is the most common cause of fainting. Vasovagal syncope occurs when your body overreacts to triggers, such as the sight of blood or extreme emotional distress. The trigger results in vasovagal syncope — a brief loss of consciousness caused by a sudden drop in your heart rate and blood pressure, which reduces blood flow to your brain

Has anyone ever experienced a drop in their heart rate while rolling sparring or randori?